Relationship between Cognitive Function, Self-esteem, Self-care Capabilities, and Activities of Daily Living of Institutionalized Older Adults

Abstract

Background: With advancing age, there is an increased susceptibility to various functional limitations, cognitive declines, and self-care disabilities, which often results in compromised physical and psychological well-being. Objective: The study was conducted to identify the relationship between cognitive function, self-esteem, self-care capabilities, and activities of daily living of institutionalized older adults. Methods: 100 elders of both sexes aged 60 years andabove were included in the study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Katz Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, The Exercise of Self-Care Agency (ESCA) Scale and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were used. Results: Findings revealed the presence of significant relationships between cognitive function and both self-care capabilities and activities of daily living, whereas no significant relationships were found between self-esteem of the studied elders, and their cognitive function, self-care capabilities, and activities of daily living. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings suggest that, specific emphasis should be placed on the ongoing assessment of cognitive function which is important to predict the self-care of older adults, and to institute the appropriate intervention, and further researches are needed to examine and evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs to improve elders' cognitive function and self-care capabilities.